"Go Gentle" is a song by British singer-songwriter

Robbie Williams Robert Peter Williams (born 13 February 1974) is an English singer and songwriter. He found fame as a member of the pop group Take That from 1990 to 1995, and achieved commercial success after launching a solo career in 1996. His debut stud ...

, released as the lead single from his tenth studio album ''

Swings Both Ways ''Swings Both Ways'' is the tenth studio album by English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams. It is his second swing album after 2001's ''Swing When You're Winning''; unlike the latter, which had one original composition, this album features an ...

'' (2013). The single was released in the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...

on 10 November 2013. The song was written by

Guy Chambers Guy Antony Chambers (born 12 January 1963) is an English songwriter, musician and record producer, best known for his work with Robbie Williams. Education Chambers attended Quarry Bank Comprehensive School sixth form in Liverpool. From 18, h ...

and

Chris Heath Chris Heath is a British writer who was a regular contributor to the popular English music magazine '' Smash Hits'' in the eighties and early nineties. In the late eighties, he travelled with Pet Shop Boys on their first ever world tour and the r ...

Background

In an interview with Magic FM, Williams said that the song is a promise to his daughter Teddy. He said: "Go Gentle is a promise I'm making to my daughter. It was written when she first arrived on the planet and I'd been a selfish popstar for most of my life and then all of a sudden I've been asked to take care of this whole person. I still am scared that I'm not up to the task! I'm doing a good job of being a dad but it's scary, you have to look after this person for the whole of their life, I'm not very good at even looking after me handsome !".

Music video

A music video to accompany the release of "Go Gentle" was first released onto YouTube on 16 October 2013 at a total length of three minutes and fifty seconds. The video shows Williams dressed as a sea captain and performing the song on a parade float decorated as a wooden ship, backed by a band dressed as sailors, moving through the streets of downtown Los Angeles.

Critical reception

Lewis Corner of

Digital Spy Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television programmes, ...

gave the song a positive review, stating:

"The singer's showmanship makes him a natural when it comes to the bravado and assurance of swing music ..But with a classic whistle line, a smooth melody and Robbie's undiminished star quality, we're pretty certain 'Go Gentle' will stand the test of time to serve its true purpose."

Live performances

On 10 November 2013, Williams performed "Go Gentle" on the live results show of ''

The X Factor ''The X Factor'' is a television music competition franchise created by British producer Simon Cowell and his company Syco Entertainment. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for ''Pop Idol'' (2001–2003 ...

''.

Track listing

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history

References

{{authority control 2013 songs Robbie Williams songs Songs written by Robbie Williams 2013 singles Songs written by Guy Chambers Island Records singles Song recordings produced by Guy Chambers Songs written by Chris Heath